'We see urine and vomit': Residents fight new waterfront bar

Why it matters: The decision clears the way for a new café and lounge bar to open at The Winerack in Key Street, even as nearby residents raised concerns that existing venues are already causing problems in the area.

The details: Ipswich Borough Council's licensing committee approved the premises licence on Friday, 24 April, following a hearing in which applicants, residents and council officers gave evidence.

• The business will trade under the name Velsheda and is expected to host up to around 55 people both inside and outside the premises.
• It will open to the public between 08:00 and 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, and until 00:30 on Friday and Saturday.
• Twelve residents wrote in to the council to raise concerns around noise and antisocial behaviour.

What they're saying: Lewis Rush, a resident living just above the venue, told councillors he did not see any benefits with a new bar and stressed he was already facing issues with existing businesses.

"We do want to see development on the waterfront, but we need to have very strict controls over it," he said. "We come down and see urine and vomit – with every bar on site, it always represents a concern for us."

The other side: Matt Purnell, who submitted the application, said the venue would bring back a "sustainable and responsible offering" after the loss of other businesses in the area.

"Our aim is to enhance the waterfront, support its recovery and operate responsibly within the community," he said.

Greig Barnes, the proposed supervisor, said the venue would "add value to what is already a beautiful spot in Ipswich" and described the premises as a "safe space".

"It's not going to be a high-energy venue with loud music pumping out day and night," he said. "We take our licensing responsibility very seriously."

Measures outlined by the applicant include constant monitoring of noise levels, a zero-tolerance approach toward aggressive behaviour and refusing entrance to repeat offenders.

For context: Michael Cheong, the council's environmental health officer, said the plans were acceptable subject to conditions but warned noise levels would have to be tightly controlled.

What's next: After discussing the proposals in private, councillors agreed to grant the new premises licence. Cllr Stephen Connelly urged the applicant to continue engaging and residents to report any issues around noise.

The bottom line: Despite objections from residents who say they are already dealing with antisocial behaviour linked to existing venues, a new bar will open at The Winerack under a licence conditioned on strict noise controls and a commitment from operators to run the venue responsibly.

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